JP3887167B2 - Airbag folding method in side impact airbag device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a side collision airbag apparatus that restrains an occupant by deploying an airbag forward from a side of a seat back with a high-pressure gas generated by an inflator during a side collision of a vehicle, and in particular, folding the airbag. Regarding the method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a side impact airbag device in which an airbag module is housed in the side of the seat back, the distance between the passenger sitting in the driver's seat or the passenger seat and the vehicle door or center pillar is relatively small. Accordingly, during the period in which the space exists between the passenger or the door or the center pillar that is deformed to the passenger compartment side, it is necessary to quickly deploy the airbag toward the space.
[0003]
FIG. 12 shows a conventional airbag folding method for quickly deploying an airbag. The airbag 01 accommodates an inflator 02 at a base end b fixed to the seat back (see FIG. 12A). First, the airbag 01 is folded in a bellows shape from the tip end a toward the base end b (see FIG. 12B), and then folded in a bellows fold to the base end b (see FIG. 12C). Then, the folding is completed by pushing down the left and right side portions forward (see FIG. 12D).
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
According to the above conventional folding method, since the distal end portion a of the airbag 01 in the folded state is located at a position close to the base end portion b that houses the inflator 02, the pressure of the high-pressure gas generated by the inflator 02 is reduced. Directly acting on the front end portion a of the bag 01, the front end portion a can be strongly pushed forward and deployed quickly.
[0005]
However, the conventional folding method for folding the airbag 01 in a bellows shape has a problem that the work is extremely troublesome and requires a lot of time.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an airbag folding method that can quickly deploy an airbag of a side collision airbag apparatus and that does not require troublesome bellows folding. With the goal.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is arranged such that a folded airbag is arranged on a side portion of a seat back, and high-pressure gas generated by an inflator at the time of a vehicle collision is supplied into the airbag from its base end portion. Thus, the airbag device for side collision is inflated and deployed from the side portion of the seat back toward the front of the vehicle body, and in the deployed state of the airbag, the front end portion of the airbag is the front end portion. In the case where the base end portion of the airbag is the rear end portion, a range of approximately one third from the tip end portion of the airbag is folded inward toward the base end portion, A first folding step in which the inner surface of the distal end portion is folded so as to face the inner surface of the proximal end portion, and the annular distal end portion of the airbag newly formed in the first folding step is removed toward the proximal end portion. Fold in the direction And a second folding step of secondarily folding the primary folded airbag to further reduce the primary folded airbag, and the invention of claim 2 comprises: The folded airbag is arranged on the side of the seat back, and the high pressure gas generated by the inflator at the time of a vehicle collision is supplied into the airbag from its base end, so that the airbag is inflated and the side of the seat back Side impact airbag device that is deployed toward the front of the vehicle body from the front, and in the deployed state of the airbag, the front end of the airbag is the front end and the base end of the airbag is the rear end In the above-described configuration, the front end portion of the airbag is folded inward toward the base end portion, and the front end is folded so that the inner surface of the front end portion faces the inner surface of the base end portion. And extent, its first width direction on both sides of the airbag as folded in the same direction with foldable primarily to narrow the width of the folded air bag in the folding process, subsequently, folded its primary characterized in that it comprises a second folding step of folding as secondarily be even smaller airbag in the longitudinal direction thereof, is et to the invention of claim 3, the feature of the invention of claim 1 or 2 In addition, in the second folding step, when the airbag folded in the first folding step is secondarily folded, the airbag is further folded into a zigzag shape. In addition to the above-described feature of any one of claims 1 and 2 , the invention of claim 4 folds the airbag folded in the first folding step secondarily in the second folding step. In this case, the airbag is further folded into a roll shape.
[0008]
According to the first and second aspects of the invention, in the first folding step, the high-pressure gas generated by the inflator is first supplied to the front end of the airbag that is the front end in the airbag deployed state, and the airbag is deployed. Then, it is folded inward toward the base end of the airbag as the rear end, folded so that the inner surface of the front end faces the inner surface of the base end, and the airbag is further folded in the subsequent second folding process. When the folding by the second folding step is released, the distal end portion is in a position close to the base end portion to which the high pressure gas from the inflator is first supplied to the airbag. Therefore, the high-pressure gas generated by the inflator is effectively acted on the front end of the airbag, which is the front end in the airbag deployment state. The airbag can be quickly deployed toward the space between the door or the center pillar and the occupant (i.e., the front of the vehicle body), so that the occupant restraint effect can be exhibited reliably. In addition, since a troublesome folding method such as bellows folding is not required, the time and labor required for folding the airbag can be reduced.
[0009]
According to the invention of claim 3 , since the airbag is secondarily folded in a spelling manner in the second folding step, the airbag can finally be folded compactly.
[0010]
According to the invention of claim 4 , since the airbag is secondarily folded into a roll shape in the second folding step, the airbag can finally be folded compactly.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0012]
1 to 6 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat provided with a side collision airbag device. FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 3 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow 3 in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of an action when the airbag is deployed, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the folding order of the airbag, and FIG.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 1, a seat S for a driver of an automobile is provided at a seat cushion 1 that is disposed substantially horizontally, a seat back 2 that extends rearward and upward from the rear end of the seat cushion 1, and an upper end of the seat back 2. The headrest 3 is formed. An airbag module M housed in a module case 4 is disposed inside the right side surface of the seat back 2, and when the airbag module M is operated, the airbag 5 opens the module case 4 and is seated on the seat S. It is developed obliquely forward so as to block between the right side of the occupant and the left side of the right front door 6 (see FIG. 4).
[0014]
As is clear from the cross section of the seat back 2 shown in FIG. 2, a plate-like seat frame 12 is fixed to a pipe-like seat frame 11 extending in the vertical direction along the right side portion of the seat back 2, and this plate-like seat. The module case 4 is fixed to the right side surface of the frame 12 with bolts 14 and 14 and nuts 15 and 15. A spring 16 is stretched on the inner periphery of the pipe-shaped seat frame 11, and a shape retaining material 17 made of a coarse blanket and a pad 18 made of a sponge are arranged from the front surface of the spring 16 to the periphery of the module case 4. .
[0015]
The front center portion of the seat back 2 is covered with the first covering material 22, and the left and right side portions of the first covering material 22 to the front side surface of the seat back 2 are sewn to the first covering material 22 at the sewing portion 20. The second covering member 23 is covered with the third covering member 24 sewn on the second covering member 23 at the sewing portion 25 from the rear side to the rear side of the seat back 2. The first to third covering materials 22, 23, 24 have substantially the same structure, and are integrally coupled to the inner wadding covers 22a, 23a, 24a and the outer surfaces of the wadding covers 22a, 23a, 24a, respectively. The waddings 22b, 23b, and 24b are made of a thin sponge, and the trim covers 22c, 23c, and 24c are made of leather or cloth superimposed on the outer surfaces of the wadings 22b, 23b, and 24b. However, only the first covering material 22 has a wading 22b divided into two layers, and a single wading cover 22a and a heater 26 are sandwiched therebetween. In addition, a synthetic resin plate 27 for maintaining the form of the third covering material 24 is superimposed on the front surface of the wading cover 24a.
[0016]
A hanging bag 28 in which a belt-like material having strength such as tricot is folded in half is integrally sewn on the sewing portion 20 of the first covering material 22 and the second covering material 23. A stainless steel wire 29 is housed inside the hanging bag 28, and the other ends of the plurality of hooks 30, with one end locked to the wire 29, are locked to the spring 16.
[0017]
Next, the structure of the airbag module M will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0018]
The metal retainer 31 includes a main body portion 31a having a J-shaped cross section and a pair of clamp portions 31b and 31b extending from one side edge of the main body portion 31a. The main body portion 31a and the clamp portions 31b and 31b. A substantially cylindrical inflator 32 filled with propellant is supported on the circular cross-section formed by the above. The retainer 31 and the inflator 32 are stored so as to be wrapped in the base end portion of the folded airbag 5. The bolts 14 and 14 pass through the clamp portions 31b and 31b, the main body portion 31a and the side plate 33 of the retainer 31 and are fastened by nuts 34 and 34, and further pass through the plate-like seat frame 12 and by nuts 15 and 15. It is concluded. At this time, the airbag 5, the inflator 32, and the retainer 31 are wrapped by the protective cloth 41 so as to maintain their shapes. The protective cloth 41 is broken when the airbag 5 is inflated.
[0019]
The retainer 31, the side plate 33, the inflator 32, and the folded airbag 5 are accommodated in a module case 4 that is integrally formed of synthetic resin. The module case 4 includes a tray-like case body 36 that opens toward the right side of the vehicle body, and a lid 37 that is connected to the rear portion of the case body 36 via a hinge portion 38. The five hooks 36a provided on the front edge and the lower edge are engaged with the five hook engaging holes 37a provided on the upper edge, the front edge and the lower edge of the lid 37, thereby opening the case body 36. The lid 37 is fixed so as to cover. The module case 4 is fixed by sandwiching the case main body 36 between the side plate 33 and the plate seat frame 12.
[0020]
Next, the folding order of the airbag 5 is demonstrated based on FIG. Here, the side in which the inflator 32 of the airbag 5 is stored and the high-pressure gas is first supplied (that is, the rear end side in the airbag deployment state) is the base end side, and the opposite side (that is, the front end in the airbag deployment state). Side) is the tip side.
[0021]
First, from a state in which the airbag 5 is flatly crushed (see FIG. 5A), a range of approximately one third from the distal end portion a of the airbag 5 is turned inward toward the base end portion b ( (See FIG. 5B). Subsequently, when the annular distal end c newly formed by the inward folding is folded outward toward the base end b (see FIG. 5C), six cross sections of the airbag 5 overlap each other. Thus, the tip end a and the base end b face each other with the distance reduced to the first third. Subsequently, the airbag 5 is folded alternately in the left and right directions and folded in a small manner (see FIGS. 5D and 5D). (A) → (B) corresponds to the first folding step of the present invention, and (B) → (C) → (D), (D ′) corresponds to the second folding step of the present invention. . In the second folding step, (B) → (C) corresponds to primary folding, and (C) → (D), (D ′) corresponds to secondary folding.
[0022]
Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described.
[0023]
If a lateral acceleration of a predetermined value or more is detected at the time of a side collision of the vehicle, the inflator 32 of the airbag module M ignites to generate high-pressure gas, and protection is provided when the airbag 5 supplied with the high-pressure gas starts to expand. The cloth 41 is broken. When the airbag 5 is further inflated and presses the inner surface of the lid 37 of the module case 4, the hook engaging hole 37a at the front edge of the lid 37 is detached from the case body 36 hook 36a, and the lid 37 is a hinge portion at the rear edge. Rotate rightward with 38 as a fulcrum. As a result, the lid 37 presses the inner surface of the third covering material 24 to break the sewn portion 25 with the second covering material 23, and the opening 43 formed on the side surface of the seat back 2 due to the breakage of the sewn portion 25 (FIG. 4), the airbag 5 is deployed so as to block between the occupant and the inner surface of the right front door 6.
[0024]
The inflating process of the airbag 5 is shown in FIG. At the initial stage of the inflation of the airbag 5, the fold-like folding is released, and the distal end portion a of the airbag 5 faces the proximal end portion b at a short distance (one third of the entire length of the airbag 5) (FIG. 6). (See (a)). In this state, the high-pressure gas emitted from the inflator 32 housed in the base end portion b of the airbag 5 directly acts on the distal end portion a of the airbag 5 (see FIG. 6B), and the airbag 5 is moved forward. (1) See FIG. 6 (c) to (e). As a result, the air bag 5 is promptly moved toward the right front door 6 or the center pillar that is deformed to the passenger compartment side after receiving the impact of the side collision or the space between the center pillar and the occupant. It can be deployed to ensure occupant restraint performance. In addition, since a troublesome folding method such as bellows folding is not required, the time and labor required for folding the airbag 5 can be reduced.
[0025]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0026]
In the folding method of the airbag 5 according to the second embodiment, the first folding process is the same as the first folding process of the first embodiment (see FIG. 5 (A) → (B)). The second folding process is different. That is, as shown in FIG. 7 (C ′), instead of folding the annular distal end c formed by the first folding process outward toward the base end b as shown in FIG. 5 (C). The annular front end portion c is folded back to one side toward the base end portion b and folded in half. Subsequently, the airbag 5 is folded alternately in the left and right directions and folded in a small manner (see FIGS. 7E and 7E).
[0027]
The inflating process of the airbag 5 of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. At the initial stage of the inflation of the airbag, the fold-like fold is unwound (see FIG. 8 (a)), and then the airbag 5 folded back in half on one side extends substantially linearly and the distal end portion a becomes the base end portion b. It will be in a state to face at a short distance. As a result, the high-pressure gas emitted from the inflator 32 directly acts on the front end portion a of the airbag 5 (see FIG. 8B), and the airbag 5 can be quickly deployed forward (see FIG. 8). 8 (c) to (e)). Since this embodiment also does not require a troublesome folding method such as bellows folding, the time and labor required for folding the airbag 5 can be reduced.
[0028]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0029]
The third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. As is apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 5 and 9, the airbag 5 is folded in a zigzag manner in the first embodiment (FIG. 5 (D In this embodiment, the airbag 5 is folded into a right-handed or left-handed roll (see FIGS. 9F and 9F). Also according to the present embodiment, after the roll-like folding is unwound at the initial stage of inflation of the airbag 5, the airbag 5 can be quickly deployed as described with reference to FIG. The same effect can be achieved.
[0030]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0031]
The fourth embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment. As is apparent from a comparison between FIGS. 7 and 10, in the second embodiment, the airbag 5 is folded in a zigzag manner (FIG. 7 (E In this embodiment, the airbag 5 is folded into a right-handed or left-handed roll (see FIGS. 10G and 10G). Also according to the present embodiment, after the roll-like folding is unwound at the initial stage of inflation of the airbag 5, the airbag 5 can be quickly deployed as described with reference to FIG. The same effect can be achieved.
[0032]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0033]
5th Example respond | corresponds to invention of Claim 2, Comprising: The width | variety of the airbag 5 is 3 minutes following the 1st folding process (refer FIG.5 (B)) in 1st Example. at 1, (FIG. 11 (H) see) after folding the both sides in the width direction of the airbag 5 from each other primarily in the folded inward "C" shape in the same direction, zigzag airbag 5 or in which folded secondary to a roll (see FIG. 11 (I) ~ (L) ). FIG. 11 (H ′) shows a reference example in which both sides in the width direction of the airbag 5 are folded back inward in opposite directions to be primarily folded into an “S” shape. After the primary folding, the airbag 5 is secondarily folded in a zigzag or roll shape (see FIGS. 11M to 11P). According to the present embodiment and the reference example , the airbag 5 can be folded more compactly by reducing the width thereof.
[0034]
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention can perform a various design change in the range which does not deviate from the summary.
[0035]
For example, in the embodiment, the side collision airbag device on the driver's seat side is illustrated, but the present invention can also be applied to a side collision airbag device on the passenger seat side. Further, the lid 37 of the module case 4 of the embodiment is covered with the third covering material 24. However, the lid 37 may be directly exposed to the side surface of the seat back 2 by forming an opening in the third covering material 24 in advance. .
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
In the side collision airbag device, the distance between the occupant and the vehicle door or the center pillar is relatively small, so that the space between the door or the center pillar that is deformed to the passenger compartment side due to the impact of the side collision and the occupant. However, according to the present invention, in the first folding step, the front end portion is in the airbag deployed state during the period in which the airbag exists. When the high-pressure gas generated by the inflator is first supplied and folded back inward toward the base end of the airbag that is the rear end when the airbag is deployed, the inner surface of the front end is The airbag is folded so as to face the inner surface of the base end, and the airbag is folded further smaller in the subsequent second folding process. Therefore, when the folding in the second folding process is released, the airbag is folded. It is closer the tip portion relative to the proximal end the high pressure gas from the inflator is first supplied to. Therefore, the high-pressure gas generated by the inflator can be effectively applied to the front end of the airbag that is the front end in the airbag deployment state. Thus, the airbag is quickly deployed toward the space between the door or the center pillar deformed to the passenger compartment side and the occupant (that is, the front of the vehicle body), and the occupant restraint effect can be exhibited with certainty. In addition, since a troublesome folding method such as bellows folding is not required, the time and labor required for folding the airbag can be reduced.
[0037]
In particular, according to the invention of claim 2, the airbag can be folded more compactly by reducing the width of the airbag.
[0038]
In particular, according to the invention of claim 3 , since the airbag is secondarily folded in a spelling manner in the second folding step, the airbag can finally be folded compactly.
[0039]
In particular, according to the invention of claim 4 , since the airbag is secondarily folded into a roll shape in the second folding step, the airbag can be folded compactly finally.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat equipped with a side collision airbag device. FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing of action at the time of deployment [FIG. 5] Explanatory drawing of the folding order of the airbag [FIG. 6] Explanatory drawing of the folding order of the airbag [FIG. 7] Explanation of the folding order of the airbag according to the second embodiment of the present invention FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the deployment order of airbags according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the folding order of airbags according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing of the folding order of the airbag according to the fourth embodiment [FIG. 11] Explanatory drawing of the folding order of the airbag according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention [FIG. 12] Explanatory drawing of the folding order of the conventional airbag [ Explanation of symbols]
2 Seatback 5 Airbag 32 Inflator a Front end b Base end

Claims (4)

The folded airbag (5) is arranged on the side of the seat back (2), and the high pressure gas generated by the inflator (32) in the event of a vehicle collision is supplied from the base end (b) into the airbag (5). A side collision airbag apparatus that inflates the airbag (5) and deploys it from the side of the seat back (2) toward the front of the vehicle body,
In the deployed state of the airbag (5), the front end (a) of the airbag (5) is the front end, and the base end (b) of the airbag (5) is the rear end. In
A range of approximately one third from the distal end portion (a) of the airbag (5) is folded inward toward the proximal end portion (b) so that the inner surface of the distal end portion (a) is the proximal end portion ( b) a first folding step of folding so as to face the inner surface;
Folded primarily so that the annular tip (c) of the airbag (5) newly formed in the first folding step is folded outward toward the base end (b), And a second folding step of secondarily folding the primary folded airbag (5) so as to be further reduced, and the airbag folding method in the side collision airbag device. The folded airbag (5) is arranged on the side of the seat back (2), and the high pressure gas generated by the inflator (32) in the event of a vehicle collision is supplied from the base end (b) into the airbag (5). A side collision airbag device that inflates the airbag (5) and deploys it from the side of the seat back (2) toward the front of the vehicle body,
In the deployed state of the airbag (5), the front end (a) of the airbag (5) is the front end, and the base end (b) of the airbag (5) is the rear end. In
The distal end (a) of the airbag (5) is folded inward toward the proximal end (b) so that the inner surface of the distal end (a) faces the inner surface of the proximal end (b). A first folding step of folding;
In order to reduce the width of the airbag (5) folded in the first folding step, the airbag (5) is primarily folded by folding both sides of the airbag (5) in the same direction, and then the primary And a second folding step of secondarily folding the airbag (5) folded in the longitudinal direction so as to be further reduced in the longitudinal direction thereof . In the second folding step, when the airbag (5) folded in the first folding step is secondarily folded, the airbag (5) is further folded into a folded shape. The airbag folding method in the airbag apparatus for side collisions of Claim 1 or 2 . In the second folding step, when the airbag (5) folded in the first folding step is secondarily folded, the airbag (5) is further folded into a roll shape. The airbag folding method in the airbag apparatus for side collisions of Claim 1 or 2 .

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